Work. Rest. Reset. Repeat: Why regular mini breaks are better for mind and soul

Image Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

In South Africa, it’s common for people to save up their annual leave for one extended December holiday. The idea of switching off completely for two or three weeks at the end of the year sounds appealing — a reward for twelve months of hard work.

Another reason we push on until the end of the year is our productivity-obsessed office culture : we often pride ourselves on “making it through to December,” postponing rest until the end of the year, or until burnout forces us to take some time off.

Yet spreading those days across several shorter breaks throughout the year might actually offer greater benefits for your health, productivity, and overall happiness.

That’s because the human brain isn’t built to operate at full capacity without regular rest. When we work continuously for months on end, even with weekends off, our stress levels tend to accumulate. By the time December arrives, many people are already running on fumes — physically and mentally drained.

But the stress-relieving effects of a three-week holiday often dissipate by mid-January, when you’ve been back in the office for a week or two.

The power of 4: medicine for the mind and nourishment for the soul

Taking numerous (the optimum is four if your budget allows) mini breaks of three to five days a year, often provides more consistent recovery. Every few months, you have a mini holiday to look forward to, and your body and mind get a proper reset before burnout sets in.

Anticipation alone — knowing you have a weekend or few days away coming up — can boost mood and motivation. During the break itself, your nervous system relaxes; cortisol levels drop, and your parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode takes over.

Renewed energy and increased creativity

When you return to work, you start the week with renewed energy and perspective.

One of the most underrated benefits of taking time off is what it does for your creativity and problem-solving skills. When you step away from routine tasks, your subconscious mind continues to process ideas and challenges in the background.

Easier to disconnect and reconnect

Shorter breaks can also make it easier to truly switch off from work. Knowing you’ll be away for just a few days makes it less daunting to leave projects temporarily and hand over responsibilities. Many people find it harder to relax during long holidays because they worry about returning to an overflowing inbox or a backlog of tasks.

Frequent short breaks create a rhythm of stepping away and returning smoothly, reinforcing healthy boundaries between work and personal life. You learn to disconnect more often — and reconnect with fresh energy each time.

Companies that encourage employees to take shorter, more regular breaks often see improvements in innovation and productivity. It’s not about working less — it’s about working smarter, with periods of real rest in between.

This rhythm — work, rest, reset, repeat — creates a sustainable pattern of productivity. It’s not about escaping work but sustaining yourself within it. Each break functions like a reset button — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Instead of one massive crash-and-recovery cycle, you sustain balance all year long.

Take advantage of off-peak prices

Financially, four shorter breaks can often work out better than one long one. When you spread your travel across the year, you can take advantage of off-peak prices, midweek deals, and local destinations.

It also reduces the financial strain of spending your entire year-end bonus all at once — something that can add stress to a big December trip. Instead, shorter, more affordable getaways allow for spontaneous travel without long-term debt or stress.

Boost wellbeing throughout the year

Ultimately, the biggest advantage of taking several short breaks lies in their cumulative effect on your wellbeing. Regular downtime lowers stress hormones, improves sleep quality, strengthens relationships, and enhances your overall outlook on life.

You’re not simply recovering from burnout — you’re preventing it. Your year feels more balanced, your moods more stable, and your motivation easier to maintain.

Taking one long December holiday might seem like the ultimate reward, but it leaves you with 11 other months of relentless busyness. By contrast, dividing your leave into four shorter breaks allows for steady recovery, more consistent happiness, and richer life experiences throughout the year.

Instead of waiting until the end of the year to breathe, consider giving yourself permission to pause more often. The calendar will still fill up, the work will still be there — but you’ll be tackling it with a clearer mind, healthier body, and far more enthusiasm.

Four short breaks might just be the smartest investment you make in yourself all year.

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Sasha is a freelance journalist and has a passion for writing, reading, good food and wine. She’s obsessed with the IDEA of healthy eating (as well as chocolate – dark of course) and is always experimenting with alternative health therapies and trying to get the family to eat less sugar. Her best reward at the end of a busy week: a good book or time to sit on the beach and stare at the sea: whichever option is available.